Where it stands as of Tue, Oct 13
The Golf Committee is moving forward with hiring consultant Conservation Works to complete an environmental management plan for Audubon International certification. After the sole $18,400 proposal exceeded available Community Preservation Act funding, the committee voted on October 13 to cover the $4,500 shortfall using its revolving fund and pay overdue membership dues. The committee plans to negotiate the final contract scope while working to demonstrate progress ahead of Town Meeting.
- For Golf Committee Voted unanimously on October 13 to authorize up to $4,500 from its revolving fund to cover the consultant funding gap and pay past-due membership fees.
- Neutral Public comment A resident inquired about past attempts at Audubon certification and funding set aside for golf course projects.
Votes
| Date | Board | Motion | Result | Video |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf Committee | To allocate up to $4,500 from the revolving fund to cover the additional cost for the Audubon consultant Southborough Golf Club Audubon management plan | Passedunanimous | 8:38 | |
| Golf Committee | To approve payment of $500 in annual Audubon dues from the revolving fund Southborough Golf Club Audubon management plan | Passedunanimous | 8:14 | |
| Golf Committee | Approve the scope of work for the Audubon project consultant RFP. Southborough Golf Club Audubon management plan | Passedunanimous | 7:11 |
Every time it came up newest first
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Audubon certification dues and consultant funding
The committee discussed bringing the golf course into good standing with Audubon International and hiring a consultant to complete the environmental certification process. A single proposal from Conservation Works came in at $18,400, which exceeds the existing Community Preservation Act allocation by approximately $4,500. The committee voted to pay past dues and authorize up to $4,500 from its revolving fund to make up the difference while seeking opportunities to negotiate the final scope.
- Membership dues of $500 are owed for the past year, with another $500 due in November.
- Three firms were solicited for the Audubon certification scope; two declined and Conservation Works submitted a proposal of $18,400.
- The proposal exceeded available CPA funds by approximately $4,500.
- Committee members authorized up to $4,500 from the revolving fund to cover the balance.
Outcome: Approved $500 in dues and up to $4,500 from the revolving fund for consultant costs.
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Audubon International certification status
The committee discussed the status of pursuing Audubon International certification for the golf course. Members noted that demonstrating progress on environmental stewardship will be important ahead of Town Meeting. A proposed timeline was submitted to the Community Preservation Committee, and work is underway to engage a consultant.
- A project coordinator developed a timeline submitted to the CPC.
- Annual membership dues will be put before the committee for payment once an invoice is received.
- The committee plans to report at Town Meeting that certification efforts are actively in process.
Outcome: Discussion only; waiting on consultant onboarding and dues billing.
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Audubon certification consultant scope of work
Members discussed and formally approved the scope of work to solicit an Audubon International consultant. The scope will be handed over to town conservation staff to prepare a formal Request for Proposals from qualified consultants.
- Scope was updated to include feedback from committee members.
- Conservation staff will format the scope into town RFP specifications.
- The town intends to solicit at least three quotes by email.
- Audubon International annual dues will need to be paid out of golf course accounts.
Outcome: Committee voted to approve the scope of work for the Audubon project.
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Audubon International certification and management plan
A liaison reported on drafting criteria for an RFP to hire a consultant for the golf course Audubon International management plan. The Conservation Agent will draft the legal procurement document to solicit quotes from three vendors.
- The project is a joint effort between the Golf Committee and the Open Space Committee
- Conservation Agent Melissa Danza will prepare the formal RFP document
- Procurement requires soliciting quotes from at least three qualified firms
- The consultant will review irrigation specifications against Audubon International environmental standards
Outcome: Draft RFP criteria will be circulated to the committee for feedback before formal release
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· Community Preservation Committee
Audubon International golf course management plan
Representatives from the Golf Course Committee and Open Space Preservation Commission provided an update on drafting a request for proposals to hire a consultant for the Audubon International certification management plan. The consultant will establish environmental guidelines for managing and maintaining the Southborough Golf Club.
- The RFP is being drafted with assistance from the Conservation Commission.
- The Golf Course Committee expects to review the outline in early June.
- The committee aims to award the contract and begin work by mid-June 2026.
- The management framework is intended to be in place prior to construction work on the golf course irrigation project.
Outcome: Draft RFP requirements will be finalized with the Conservation Commission and reviewed by the Golf Course Committee.